Golf Ball

ABSTRACT

An ultra-low compression golf ball is disclosed herein. The core preferably has a PGA compression less than 30. The mantle layer and cover have approximately the same thickness. The cover comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material and has a specific gravity greater than the core and mantle layer. The golf ball has a PGA compression less than 75 and a COR of at least 0.780.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/249,101, filed on Aug. 26, 2016, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/070,744,filed on Mar. 15, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,566,477, issued on Feb. 14,2107, which is a is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/933,993, filed on Nov. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,320,943, issued on Apr. 26, 2016, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/844,945, filed onSep. 3, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,278,260, issued on Mar. 8, 2016, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/149,367filed on Apr. 17, 2015, now expired, all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to low compression three-piece golf balls.

Description of the Related Art

The prior art discloses golf balls with low compressions.

Sullivan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,451, for a Golf Ball Cover OfNeutralized Polyethylene-acrylic acid) Copolymer, discloses in Table Onea golf ball having a compression of below 50 and a cover composed ofionomers having various Shore D hardness values ranging from 50 to 61.

Sullivan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,545, for a Golf Ball discloses a golf ballhaving a Rhiele compression below 50 and a cover having Shore C valuesas low as 82.

Egashira et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,652, for a Solid Golf Ball,discloses the use of a zinc pentachlorothiophenol in a core of a golfball.

Pasqua, U.S. Pat. No. 5,721,304, for a Golf Ball Composition, disclosesa golf ball with a core having a low compression and the core comprisingcalcium oxide.

Sullivan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,924, for a Golf Ball discloses agolf ball having a PGA compression below 70 and a COR ranging from 0.780to 0.825.

Sullivan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,886, for a Golf Ball And Method OfManufacture discloses a golf ball having a PGA compression below 70, acover Shore D hardness of 57, and a COR as high as 0.794.

Tzivanis et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,870, for a Golf Ball, discloses agolf ball having a core compression less than 50, a cover Shore Dhardness of 55 or less, and a COR greater than 0.80.

The prior art fails to disclose a three-piece golf ball with a lowcompression and a high COR for tour level performance.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a three-piece golf ball with an ultra-lowcompression and a high COR for tour level performance.

One aspect of the present invention is an ultra-low compression golfball consisting essentially of a core, mantle layer and a cover. Thecore comprises a lanthanide catalyzed polybutadiene and neodymiumcatalyzed polybutadiene having a Mooney viscosity of at least 60. Thecore has a diameter ranging from 1.50 inches to 1.60 inches. The corehas a COR of at least 0.780. The mantle layer is disposed over the core,and composed of a blend of ionomers. The mantle layer has a thicknessranging from 0.025 inch to 0.040 inch. The mantle layer has a Shore Dhardness of at least 60. The cover is disposed over the mantle layer.The cover is composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material having aShore A hardness ranging from 70 to 95, and a thickness ranging from0.025 inch to 0.040 inch. The cover has a specific gravity greater thanthe core. The golf ball has a PGA compression no greater than 75. Thegolf ball has a COR greater than or equal to the COR of the core.

Another aspect of the present invention is an ultra-low compression golfball consisting essentially of a core, mantle layer and a cover, withthe core having a PGA compression no more than 30. The core comprises alanthanide catalyzed polybutadiene and neodymium catalyzed polybutadienehaving a Mooney viscosity of at least 60. The core has a diameterranging from 1.50 inches to 1.60 inches. The core has a COR of at least0.780. The core has a PGA compression less than 30. The mantle layer isdisposed over the core, and composed of a blend of ionomers. The mantlelayer has a thickness ranging from 0.030 inch to 0.037 inch. The mantlelayer has a Shore D hardness ranging from 60 to 67. The cover isdisposed over the mantle layer. The cover is composed of a thermoplasticpolyurethane material having a Shore D hardness ranging from 30 to 36,and a thickness ranging from 0.030 inch to 0.036 inch. The cover has aspecific gravity greater than the core. The mantle layer is no more than0.002 inch thicker than the cover. The golf ball has a PGA compressionno greater than 75. The golf ball has a COR greater than or equal to theCOR of the core. The golf ball has a diameter ranging from 1.68 inchesto 1.72 inches.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is an ultra-low compressiongolf ball consisting essentially of a core, mantle layer and a cover,with the core having a PGA compression no more than 30. The corecomprises a lanthanide catalyzed polybutadiene and neodymium catalyzedpolybutadiene having a Mooney viscosity of at least 60. The core has adiameter ranging from 1.50 inches to 1.60 inches. The core has a COR ofat least 0.780. The core has a PGA compression less than 30. The corehas a mass ranging from 32 grams to 38 grams. The mantle layer isdisposed over the core, and composed of a blend of ionomers. The mantlelayer has a thickness ranging from 0.030 inch to 0.037 inch. The mantlelayer has a Shore D hardness ranging from 60 to 67. The mantle layer hasa mass ranging from 3 grams to 5 grams. The cover is disposed over themantle layer. The cover is composed of a thermoplastic polyurethanematerial having a Shore D hardness ranging from 30 to 36, and athickness ranging from 0.030 inch to 0.036 inch. The cover has a massranging from 4.5 grams to 5.5 grams. The cover has a specific gravitygreater than the core. The mantle layer is no more than 0.002 inchthicker than the cover. The golf ball has a PGA compression no greaterthan 75. The golf ball has a COR greater than or equal to the COR of thecore. The golf ball has a diameter ranging from 1.68 inches to 1.72inches.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and furtherobjects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by thoseskilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description ofthe invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away view of a low compression three-piece golfball.

FIG. 2 is top perspective view of a low compression three-piece golfball.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a driver striking a low compressionthree-piece golf ball.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a iron striking a low compressionthree-piece golf ball.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a measurement software calibration.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a sample of a high speed ball impact intoCOR plate.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an impact tape sample measurement withcalculated values.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a Kistler force sensor.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the force sensor positioned between twosteel plates so that a golf ball does not directly contact the forcesensor.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user interface for a labview computerprogram.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of the graph of FIG. 10 showing amplitude(Y-axis) to time (X-axis).

FIG. 11 is a graph of ball correlation (Y-axis) to compression (X-axis).

FIG. 12 is a graph core correlation (Y-axis) to compression (X-axis).

FIG. 13 is a chart of the aggregate impact ratios for golf balls.

FIG. 14 is a chart of the aggregate impact ratios for golf balls withurethane covers.

FIG. 15 is a chart of the aggregate impact ratios for the cores of golfballs.

FIG. 16 is a chart of the aggregate impact ratios for the cores of golfballs with urethane covers.

FIG. 17 is a graph of COR (Y-Axis) to aggregate impact values (X-axis).

FIG. 18 is a chart of the relative impact ratios for golf balls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a low compression three-piece golf ball 10comprising a core 12, a mantle 14 and a cover 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the cover is preferably composed of athermoplastic polyurethane material, and preferably has a thicknessranging from 0.025 inch to 0.04 inch, and more preferably ranging from0.03 inch to 0.04 inch. The material of the cover preferably has a ShoreD plaque hardness ranging from 30 to 40, and more preferably from 32 to36. The Shore D hardness measured on the cover is preferably less than40 Shore D. Preferably the cover 16 has a Shore A hardness of less than88. One example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,903 for a Golf Ball,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Anotherexample is Melanson, U.S. Pat. No. 7,641,841, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. Another example is Melansonet al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,211, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. Another example is Matroni et al., U.S. Pat.No. 7,867,111, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Another example is Dewanjee et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,785,522,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The mantle layer 14 preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.02 inch to0.04 inch, and more preferably from 0.030 inch to 0.038 inch. The mantlelayer 14 is preferably composed of a blend of ionomer materials. Onepreferred embodiment comprises SURLYN 9150 material, SURLYN 8940material, a SURLYN AD1022 material, and a masterbatch. The SURLYN 9150material is preferably present in an amount ranging from 20 to 45 weightpercent of the cover, and more preferably 30 to 40 weight percent. TheSURLYN 8945 is preferably present in an amount ranging from 15 to 35weight percent of the cover, more preferably 20 to 30 weight percent,and most preferably 26 weight percent. The SURLYN 9945 is preferablypresent in an amount ranging from 30 to 50 weight percent of the cover,more preferably 35 to 45 weight percent, and most preferably 41 weightpercent. The SURLYN 8940 is preferably present in an amount ranging from5 to 15 weight percent of the cover, more preferably 7 to 12 weightpercent, and most preferably 10 weight percent.

SURLYN 8320, from DuPont, is a very-low modulus ethylene/methacrylicacid copolymer with partial neutralization of the acid groups withsodium ions. SURLYN 8945, also from DuPont, is a high acidethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer with partial neutralization of theacid groups with sodium ions. SURLYN 9945, also from DuPont, is a highacid ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer with partial neutralization ofthe acid groups with zinc ions. SURLYN 8940, also from DuPont, is anethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer with partial neutralization of theacid groups with sodium ions.

The inner mantle layer is preferably composed of a blend of ionomers,preferably comprising a terpolymer and at least two high acid (greaterthan 18 weight percent) ionomers neutralized with sodium, zinc,magnesium, or other metal ions.

The material for the mantle layer preferably has a Shore D plaquehardness ranging preferably from 55 to 75, more preferably from 60 to70, a most preferably approximately 65.

The mass of an insert including the core 12 and the mantle layer 14preferably ranges from 38 grams to 42 grams, more preferably from 39 to41 grams, and is most preferably approximately 40.5 grams.

Preferably the core 12 has a diameter ranging from 1.50 inches to 1.60inches, more preferably from 1.52 inches to 1.58 inches, and mostpreferably approximately 1.54 inches. Preferably the core 12 has a PGAcompression of less 30, more preferably less than 26, and mostpreferably less than 20. Preferably the core 12 is formed from alanthanide catalyzed polybutadiene and neodymium catalyzed polybutadienehaving a Mooney viscosity of at least 60, zinc diacrylate, zinc oxide,zinc stearate, a peptizer and peroxide.

Preferably the core 12 has a mass ranging from 30 grams to 40 grams, 32grams to 38 grams and most preferably approximately 36 grams.

Preferably the core 12 has a deflection of at least 0.230 inch under aload of 220 pounds. Further, a compressive deformation from a beginningload of 10 kilograms to an ending load of 130 kilograms for the core 12preferably ranges from 4 millimeters to 7 millimeters and morepreferably from 5 millimeters to 6.5 millimeters. The ultra-lowcompression core allows for low spin off the tee to provide greaterdistance.

As shown in FIG. 3, the golf ball 10 has a low spin off a driver 40 formaximum ball speed and maximum distance with the core 12. The core 12 isthe key to long, straight distance off the tee. and the preferably useof an optimized HEX AERODYNAMICS™ makes the golf ball 10 even longer byreducing drag and increasing lift.

As shown in FIG. 4, the golf ball 10 provides a high level of controlfor aggressive shots off of an iron 50 due to the soft feel of the golfball 10 and the thermoplastic polyurethane cover 16.

The golf ball 10 has a low compression thereby providing a soft feel toa golfer. The low 65 compression lets you compress the ball on ironshots for incredibly soft feel, and it's amazing around the greens. Now,all golfers can compress the ball like a professional tour player.

The golf ball 10 preferably has a diameter of at least 1.68 inches, amass ranging from 44 grams to 47 grams, and more preferably from 45grams to 46 grams, a COR of at least 0.780, and a PGA compression of nogreater than 75, and more preferably a PGA compression of less than 65.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the golf ballpreferably has an aerodynamic pattern such as disclosed in Simonds etal., U.S. Pat. No. 7,419,443 for a Low Volume Cover For A Golf Ball,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Alternatively, the golf ball has an aerodynamic pattern such asdisclosed in Simonds et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,392 for An AerodynamicSurface Geometry For A Golf Ball, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Various aspects of the present invention golf balls have been describedin terms of certain tests or measuring procedures. These are describedin greater detail as follows.

As used herein, “Shore D hardness” of the golf ball layers is measuredgenerally in accordance with ASTM D-2240 type D, except the measurementsmay be made on the curved surface of a component of the golf ball,rather than on a plaque. If measured on the ball, the measurement willindicate that the measurement was made on the ball. In referring to ahardness of a material of a layer of the golf ball, the measurement willbe made on a plaque in accordance with ASTM D-2240. Furthermore, theShore D hardness of the cover is measured while the cover remains overthe mantles and cores. When a hardness measurement is made on the golfball, the Shore D hardness is preferably measured at a land area of thecover.

As used herein, “Shore A hardness” of a cover is measured generally inaccordance with ASTM D-2240 type A, except the measurements may be madeon the curved surface of a component of the golf ball, rather than on aplaque. If measured on the ball, the measurement will indicate that themeasurement was made on the ball. In referring to a hardness of amaterial of a layer of the golf ball, the measurement will be made on aplaque in accordance with ASTM D-2240. Furthermore, the Shore A hardnessof the cover is measured while the cover remains over the mantles andcores. When a hardness measurement is made on the golf ball, Shore Ahardness is preferably measured at a land area of the cover

The resilience or coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf ball is theconstant “e,” which is the ratio of the relative velocity of an elasticsphere after direct impact to that before impact. As a result, the COR(“e”) can vary from 0 to 1, with 1 being equivalent to a perfectly orcompletely elastic collision and 0 being equivalent to a perfectly orcompletely inelastic collision.

COR, along with additional factors such as club head speed, club headmass, ball weight, ball size and density, spin rate, angle of trajectoryand surface configuration as well as environmental conditions (e.g.temperature, moisture, atmospheric pressure, wind, etc.) generallydetermine the distance a ball will travel when hit. Along this line, thedistance a golf ball will travel under controlled environmentalconditions is a function of the speed and mass of the club and size,density and resilience (COR) of the ball and other factors. The initialvelocity of the club, the mass of the club and the angle of the ball'sdeparture are essentially provided by the golfer upon striking. Sinceclub head speed, club head mass, the angle of trajectory andenvironmental conditions are not determinants controllable by golf ballproducers and the ball size and weight are set by the U.S.G.A., theseare not factors of concern among golf ball manufacturers. The factors ordeterminants of interest with respect to improved distance are generallythe COR and the surface configuration of the ball.

The coefficient of restitution is the ratio of the outgoing velocity tothe incoming velocity. In the examples of this application, thecoefficient of restitution of a golf ball was measured by propelling aball horizontally at a speed of 125+/−5 feet per second (fps) andcorrected to 125 fps against a generally vertical, hard, flat steelplate and measuring the ball's incoming and outgoing velocityelectronically. Speeds were measured with a pair of ballistic screens,which provide a timing pulse when an object passes through them. Thescreens were separated by 36 inches and are located 25.25 inches and61.25 inches from the rebound wall. The ball speed was measured bytiming the pulses from screen 1 to screen 2 on the way into the reboundwall (as the average speed of the ball over 36 inches), and then theexit speed was timed from screen 2 to screen 1 over the same distance.The rebound wall was tilted 2 degrees from a vertical plane to allow theball to rebound slightly downward in order to miss the edge of thecannon that fired it. The rebound wall is solid steel.

As indicated above, the incoming speed should be 125±5 fps but correctedto 125 fps. The correlation between COR and forward or incoming speedhas been studied and a correction has been made over the ±5 fps range sothat the COR is reported as if the ball had an incoming speed of exactly125.0 fps.

PGA Compression as used herein is generated from an Instron machinewhich has a 200 pound load placed on the component (core, golf ball, orthe like). The Instron deflection value is multiplied by 1000, and thenthis value is subtracted from 180 to generate the PGA compression value.For example, a most preferred Instron value for a golf ball 10 afterseven days is 0.113. This value is multiple by 1000 to give a value of113. Then, the PGA compression value is obtained by subtracting 180 from113 to obtain a PGA compression value of 67. Likewise for the core 12, amost preferred Instron value after two days is 0.154. This value ismultiple by 1000 to give a value of 154. Then, the PGA compression valueis obtained by subtracting 180 from 154 to obtain a PGA compressionvalue of 26.

The measurements for deflection, compression, hardness, and the like arepreferably performed on a finished golf ball. The core is preferablymeasured within the two days of molding.

As shown in FIG. 6, balls and cores were fired into the plate atincoming speeds targeting 75, 100, 125, and 150 feet per second (“fps”).

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, Contact time is measured using a Kistlerforce sensor (model 9367) fixed to the solid steel plate in a PTM CORmachine (built by ADC). Contact Time (150 fps) refers to the durationthat the ball or core remained on the surface of the plate when fired atan incoming speed of 150 fps. Similarly, Contact Time (75 fps) refers tothe 75 fps incoming speed condition.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, contact area is determined by placing a pieceof impact tape (standard to the golf industry) on the COR plate at thelocation of impact. After impact, the total area is quantified byremoving the piece of tape, placing it under a microscope, and using asimple SW program with measurement tool to fit to the outside of theimpact area to get the total area. Contact Area (150 fps) refers to thetotal area of the impact circle when the ball is fired at an incomingspeed of 150 fps. Similarly, Contact Area (75 fps) refers to the 75 fpsincoming speed condition.

Using the equations For Aggregate Impact Ratio (AI_(R)), AggregateImpact Value (AI_(V)), and Relative Impact Rate (RI_(R)) above, we canobserve how the ball of this invention (listed as CHROME SOFT PROTO)outperforms the competitive dataset:

AI_(R)=(CT₁₅₀/CT₇₅)×(CA₁₅₀/CA₇₅)

AI_(V)=(Contact Time)×(Contact Area)

RI_(R)=(CA₁₅₀/CA₇₅)÷(CT₁₅₀/CT₇₅)

In general terms, the present invention produces a golf ball that does acouple things: For the Core: The deformation occurs in such a way thatthe impact area increases at a higher rate than the contact time asimpact speed is increased. For all conventional cores tested, impactarea and contact time increased proportionally as speed increased. Thisnew product, in essence, improves ‘perceived feel’ by increasing contactarea, without sacrificing ball speed, as measured by contact time on thesurface. For the Ball: The rate at which the impact area and contacttime increase as the impact force increases, causes the ball to performbetter at a given feel level.

To further illustrate this point, and to verify that these performancemetrics aren't associated with overall ball compression, you can seebelow that there is no correlation between the AI_(R) or RI_(R) and ballor core compression. If these results were strictly a result of softerconstruction, or softer core compression, the R̂2 values in these chartswould be very close to 1.0.

The golf ball of this design is built with a polybutadiene based core atthe center. This core can be single piece or multiple layers. The coreis preferably constructed with a high-cis neodymium catalyzed rubber ofthe 60 Mooney variety. The core preferably incorporates ZDA as itsprimary cross-linking agent, of the Dymalink tradename, and includespentachlorothiophenol. This particular construction, labeled M44272Chrome Soft Proto in the charts, has a core deflection of 0.192 Instronwhen tested under a 200 lb load. This group has a single 65 shore Dionomer-based mantle layer molded over it and ground to 0.030 inchthickness. The cover is approximately 0.034 inch thick and is comprisedof an 88 shore A thermoplastic urethane. The ball diameter is roughly1.685 inches to conform with the USGA regulations of >1.680 inches.

Although the ball described above is a three-piece urethane coverconstruction, this invention can apply to two-piece, and multi-layerconstructions with other types of cover materials.

Measurements are taken using USB camera (Dino-Lite model AD413T) andmeasurement software (Dino Capture 2.0 v1.5.10). The measurementsoftware calculates the average of radius, area, and circumference ofthe shaded area representing the impact of the ball. Calibration of thecamera is performed each day measurements are taken by using a standardShinwa 3102C stainless steel ruler. An example of the image after thecalibration is completed is shown in FIG. 5.

Test Procedure: Three impact tape samples are collected from each ballgroup at each test condition (robot or COR machine); The impact tapesample is centered in camera field of view; Click on Three Points Circletool; Click three spots at the outer edge of the sample impact imprintroughly 120° from each other; After the third point is clicked, anadjustable circle with radius appears overlaid on image; Drag the mouseto adjust size and center of circle. Idea is to best fit a circle toprecisely encompass the impact imprint; A final click of the mousefreezes the size and position of the circle; Radius, area, andcircumference are automatically calculated and displayed on image (FIG.7); These values are recorded in an Excel spreadsheet for furtheranalysis.

The contact time test is performed in the PTM COR machine which has beenmodified with a Kistler force sensor (P/N 9367)—FIG. 8.

The sensor is sandwiched between two steel plates so that the ball doesnot directly contact the force sensor—FIG. 9.

Contact Time Setup: Load the samples through the hole in the Plexiglasin numerical order: Close and secure the door; Press the RESET buttonlocated on the front control panel of the PTM to clear any history thatmay be stored in memory; Set the air pressure; Open Labview program“ImpactTimeV4.0.vi” (FIG. 10); Enter the group number of the samples tobe tested and the work order number; Verify that the Amplitude Triggerlevel is low enough to detect impact of samples; Verify that the triggerthreshold level is appropriately above the noise of the sensor signal(pre-impact data); Click the run program button (single arrow) in theupper left corner of the ImpactTimeV4.0.v; Input the number of samplesto be tested and number of shots per sample; On the PTM control panel,confirm that the number of balls and shots have been updatedaccordingly.

Contact Time Test: Press the “START TEST” button; Adjust the airpressure as necessary to hit the target speed; The machine will stopautomatically when the test is complete; When test is complete, verifyin the ImpactTimeV4.0.vi Labview program that the expected number ofshots have been collected; In the Contact Time Excel template, click“Collect Test Data” to transfer data from the PTM machine; Open the PTMand remove the samples from the collection bin.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinentart will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention andwill readily understand that while the present invention has beendescribed in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and otherembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes,modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which isintended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in thefollowing appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the inventionin which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined inthe following appended claims.

1. A golf ball consisting essentially of: a multi-layer core having adiameter ranging from 1.50 inches to 1.60 inches, the multi-layer corehaving a deflection of at least 0.230 inch under a load of 220 pound,the core having a COR of at least 0.780; a mantle layer disposed overthe multi-layer core, the mantle layer having a thickness ranging from0.025 inch to 0.040 inch; and a cover disposed over the mantle layer,the cover composed of a polyurethane, the cover having a thicknessranging from 0.025 inch to 0.040 inch; wherein the golf ball has a PGAcompression no greater than 75; wherein the golf ball has an AggregateImpact Ratio (AI_(R)) greater than 1.65, whereinAI_(R)=(CT₁₅₀/CT₇₅)×(CA₁₅₀/CA₇₅) wherein CT₁₅₀ is a golf ball contacttime at an impact speed of 150 feet per second, CT₇₅ is a golf ballcontact time at an impact speed of 75 feet per second, CA₁₅₀ is a golfball contact area at an impact speed of 150 feet per second, and CA₇₅ isa golf ball contact area at an impact speed of 75 feet per second. 2.The golf ball according to claim 1 wherein the mass of the cover isgreater than the mass of the mantle layer.
 3. The golf ball according toclaim 1 wherein the multi-layer core further comprises a zincdiacrylate.
 4. The golf ball according to claim 1 wherein the mass ofthe cover is at least 10% of the mass of the golf ball.
 5. The golf ballaccording to claim 1 wherein the multi-layer core has a mass rangingfrom 30 grams to 40 grams.
 6. A golf ball comprising: a core having adiameter ranging from 1.50 inches to 1.60 inches, the core having aplurality of layers, the core having a deflection of at least 0.230 inchunder a load of 220 pound, the core having a COR of at least 0.780; amantle layer disposed over the core, the mantle layer having a thicknessranging from 0.025 inch to 0.040 inch; and a cover disposed over themantle layer, the cover composed of a polyurethane material, the coverhaving a thickness ranging from 0.025 inch to 0.040 inch; wherein thegolf ball has an Aggregate Impact Ratio (AI_(R)) greater than 1.65,whereinAI_(R)=(CT₁₅₀/CT₇₅)×(CA₁₅₀/CA₇₅) wherein CT₁₅₀ is a golf ball contacttime at an impact speed of 150 feet per second, CT₇₅ is a golf ballcontact time at an impact speed of 75 feet per second, CA₁₅₀ is a golfball contact area at an impact speed of 150 feet per second, and CA₇₅ isa golf ball contact area at an impact speed of 75 feet per second. 7.The golf ball according to claim 6 wherein the mass of the cover isgreater than the mass of the mantle layer.
 8. The golf ball according toclaim 6 wherein the core further comprises a zinc diacrylate.
 9. Thegolf ball according to claim 6 wherein the mass of the cover is at least10% of the mass of the golf ball.
 10. A golf ball comprising: a corehaving a diameter ranging less than 1.565 inches, the core having adeflection of at least 0.230 inch under a load of 220 pound, the corehaving a COR of at least 0.780; a mantle layer disposed over the core,the mantle layer having a thickness ranging from 0.025 inch to 0.040inch, the mantle layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60; and acover disposed over the mantle layer, the cover composed of apolyurethane material, the cover having a thickness ranging from 0.025inch to 0.040 inch; wherein the golf ball has a diameter of at least1.68 inches; wherein the golf ball has a PGA compression no greater than75; wherein the core of the golf ball has a Relative Impact Ratio(RI_(R)) greater than 2.40, whereinRI_(R)=(CA₁₅₀/CA₇₅)×(CT₁₅₀/CT₇₅) wherein CT₁₅₀ is a core contact time atan impact speed of 150 feet per second, CT₇₅ is a core contact time atan impact speed of 75 feet per second, CA₁₅₀ is a